Jurgen Klopp claims Liverpool will not be able to replace Mohamed Salah.
Salah confirmed on Tuesday that his nine-year stay at Anfield will come to an end this summer, a year ahead of his current two-year contract expiring.
Much of the Egypt international’s success with the Reds came under Klopp, who contacted his former talisman following the bombshell announcement.
And the German, back on Merseyside for the LFC Foundation’s charity match with Borussia Dortmund, believes a like-for-like successor does not exist.
“This specific kind of player is irreplaceable,” said Klopp.
“I’m not sure there is even another one existing out there. There are other people playing on that wing with different strengths and qualities but it is the numbers Mo produces – they are unmatched from that position.
“The numbers for a winger are ridiculous. For a striker they are pretty much unmatched. So, if it is impossible, why should you try?
“I’m not in the role to advise anyone, but just bring players in and play the kind of football which can be successful.
“We lost Sadio Mane. What a player he was. Bobby [Roberto] Firmino, oh my God.
“On the day Gini [Georginio Wijnaldum] went, probably none of you thought: ‘That’s a big miss,’ until he was not there any more and then you thought: “Oh! He was the combination of technique, power and tactical discipline.’
“Then Hendo [Jordan Henderson] left, Milly [James Milner] went, but other players came in. That’s how it is.
“Don’t try to chase the shadows. Find a new way and play.”
Klopp, who will be part of the Liverpool Legends’ management team taking on Dortmund, also offered up a glowing testimony of working with Salah.
He added: “I can sum it up: I am really happy and proud that I was part of the whole journey.
“Great teammate, great guy – not great company when he’s not scoring.
“We criticise him for being selfish but then celebrate when he scores a goal after beating five men.
“We both know that we had these arguments, not big arguments.
“Like the one at West Ham, both of us, five seconds later, would have thought: ‘No, don’t do that in public, come on, rewind.’ Next morning it was already over, but it happens in public.
“We never lost respect for each other and that is what I really like.
“He didn’t like me for a second when I took him off after 87 minutes and you think: ‘Why?’
“The time with him and Sadio together, they were a challenge, of course they were. Special players are a challenge. Tell me one who is not?
“Now it’s time, not for Liverpudlians obviously because there is still a lot to go for, but for me it’s a bit different and I can reflect.
“And what a time that was, and what a player he is. We kind of took it for granted but this team was ridiculous.
“That’s the thing in these moments – time stops for a second. And that means you watch the movie again.
“My big target was always that when I am old and grey I can look back and smile, and that is definitely the case.
“The Mo movie is a beautiful movie and to make it interesting you have to have a few edges in. It’s a beautiful movie with a happy end.”